"Palace presents a "dazzling" Nutcracker" - Hippo Press review, December, 2002

The Southern New Hampshire Dance Theater performed a charming version of The Nutcracker on Dec. 5 at the Palace Theatre.

The Palace Festival Orchestra, with conductor Robert C. Babb, accompanied the dancers for this year’s ballet, which featured live music.

The dancer’s costumes were gorgeous, ranging from period dresses and suits in the early party scene to sparkling outfits worn by the dancers in the Kingdom of Sweets. Each scene brought new and more detailed scenery. The warm colors of Drosselmeyer’s Toyshop and the party scene were an interesting contrast to the cool and icy colors of the snow scene and the Kingdom of Sweets.

Each dancer did a wonderful job portraying his or her character. Aimee LaRiccia and Kellina Morris, who played the parts of the Columbine and Harlequin dolls, were great to watch in Drosselmeyer’s Toyshop and the party scene. Richard Ye as the Mouse King in the battle scene and the Candy Cane soloist in the Kingdom of Sweets was very exciting with his high jumps and energetic dancing.

In the second act, the Kingdom of Sweets brought out a collection of different dance styles. The Arabian dancers were on the passionate side while Mother Ginger with her little Polichinelles were silly and cute. Amy Von Handorf as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Jeremy Collins as the Cavalier were a delight to watch dance together. Both have beautiful technique and control and dazzled the audience.

The entire show ran smoothly. The orchestra played beautifully and was right on the mark the entire time.

- Hippo Press December 12-18 2002